Traveling sprinkler

ABSTRACT

A mobile chassis having an automatic self-leveling platform thereon which mounts a rotating sprinkler head. A pendulum level, mounted on the platform, senses variations in the ground contour and controls the flow of fluid to a plurality of double-acting hydraulic cylinders for a selective extension and retraction of the associated pistons so as to maintain the platform level and locked in its adjusted position until such time as variations in the contour require a readjustment. The device is guided along a cable which defines the path to be taken by the chassis and which incorporates means for automatically terminating movement of the chassis. A water supplying hose is dragged along with the chassis or is selectively stored on a chassis-mounted reel which has hose guiding rollers and guide pulleys associated therewith for the dispensing and gathering of the hose relative to the reel.

United States Patent Filan [151 3,682,387 1 Aug. 8, 1972 154] TRAVELINGSPRINKLER 52 u.s.c1. ..239/67, 239/178 511 lnt..Cl. ..Alg 27/00 [58]Field of Search.....239l67, 178, 184; 280/6, 6 11,

280/6.l, 6.11, DIG. 1; 180/41 Primary Examiner-Lloyd L. King AssistantExaminer-Thomas C. Culp, .Ir. Attorney-Clarence A. OBrien and Harvey B.Jacobson [ ABSTRACT A mobile chassis having an automatic self-levelingplatform thereon which mounts a rotating sprinkler head. A pendulumlevel, mounted on the platform, senses variations in the ground contourand controls the flow of fluid to a plurality of double-acting hydrauliccylinders for a selective extension and retraction of [56] ReferencesCited the associated pistons so as to maintain the platform level andlocked in its adjusted position until such UNITED STATES PATENTS time asvariations in the contour require a readjust- 2,597,673 5/1952 Ritteretal.... ..280/6 R m The device is guided along a cable which 3,477,64311/1969 Bruninga ..239/184 X defines the path to be taken by the chassisand which 3,198,277 8/1965 Trivero ..180/41 incorporates means forautomatically terminating 2,654,207 10/1953 Long ..280/6 H UX movementof the chassis. A water supplying hose is 2,594,596 4/1952 Stetson..239/ 178 dragged along with the chassis or is selectively stored2,788,242 4/1957 .lepson ..239/67 on a chassis-mounted reel which hashose guiding rol- 3,377,027 1968 Mfl tson etal ..239/67 X lers and guidepulleys associated therewith for the Mitchell X dispensing and gatheringof the hose relative to the reel.

5 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures ea l /07 ,32 6 .96 J a 62 42 46 1 w a? I00a 24 36 44 PATENIEDAuc a @912 SHEET 1 BF 4 PATENTEDAUB 8 I972 SHEET 2 BF4 A/fon N. F flan l A\' VET .1

W a Anormys TRAVELING SPRINKLER The present invention is generallyconcerned with field irrigation, and more particularly relates to anautomatic traveling sprinkler particularly adapted for hillsideirrigation.

A primary object of the instant invention is to provide a fieldirrigation device which incorporates automatic self-leveling features soas to maintain the water discharging nozzle apparatus approximatelyhorizontal regardless of variations in the ground contour, therebyparticularly adapting the invention herein for hillside irrigation.

In conjunction with the above object, another significant object of theinstant invention is to provide a leveling system which levels thespraying apparatus in two directions, utilizing a pendulum actuatedhydraulic control.

A further object of the instant invention is to provide a self-propelledunit guided along a predetermined path by a prepositioned cable inconjunction with means for automatically terminating the travel of themachine at any desired point through adjustable stop means provided onthe cable.

In conjunction with the above object, it is also an object to provide anirrigating device to which a supply hose is connected, the device beingcapable of pulling the hose along therewith.

Other objects of the invention resides in the provision of hose storageand laying means on the machine chassis, the utilization of a pressureamplifying water pump to insure a proper pressure for the sprayingoperation, and the mounting of the power plant and associated pumps onthe self-leveling platform so as to insure a proper and constantoperation thereof regardless of variations in ground level.

The above objects are achieved through the provision of a mobile chassisincorporating a platform mounted thereon for leveling about two mutuallyperpendicular horizontal axes with the controlled leveling of theplatform being effected through a pendulum actuated hydraulic control.The leveling platform mounts the sprinkling apparatus as well as thepower plant and fluid pumps. The chassis is guided along a predeterminedpath by a tongue unit thereon which engages and follows along a presetcable continuously winched in by a chassis mounted winch. The tongue isoperatively engaged with the front steering wheels. The chassis alsomounts a hose storage reel which has associated guide rollers andpulleys for reeling in and laying out the hose. A compressed air tankwhich is continuously recharged by an air compressor directly connectedto the power plant is also provided for a purging of the hose prior to areel storing thereof.

These together with other objects and advantages which will becomesubsequently apparent reside in the details of construction andoperation as more fully I hereinafter described and claimed, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, whereinlike numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of the instantinvention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged elevational section taken substantially on a planepassing along line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged transverse cross-sectional view takensubstantially on a plane passing along line 4-4 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional detail taken substantially on a planepassing along line 5-5 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional detail taken substantially on a planepassing along line 6-6 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional detail taken substantially on aplane passing along line 7-7 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of the leading end of the cable-engagedtongue with the adjustable stop engaged with the trip lever;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the apparatus supporting levelingplatform and a portion of the chassis on which it is pivotally mounted;and

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a portion of the hydraulic system.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, reference numeral 20 isused to generally designate the machine comprising the instantinvention. The machine is mobile and includes a self-propelled chassis22 having front steerable wheels 24 and either a two or four wheeldrive.

The steering of the front wheels 24 is controlled through a handwheel 26engaged with the front wheels 24 by means of a standard steeringlinkage, including a tie rod 28. An operators seat 30 is mounted,through a support 32, for rotation through approximately about thesteering column 34 so as to enable a positioning of the operator toeither the left or right of the wheel 26 or at any point behind thewheel as required so as to best operate the apparatus.

The machine 20 is guided along a fixed path across a field by means ofan elongated forwardly projecting tongue 36 engaged with a prepositionedcable 38. The cable 38 has the inner end fixed to and is wound on ahydraulically operated winch 40 mounted centrally on the chassis at theforward portion thereof. The outer end of the cable 38 is adapted to befixedly anchored at a predetermined position in the field which isbeyond the end of the run. In order to provide for a following of thecable 38 by the tongue 36, the cable 38 overlies the tongue 36 and iscaptively retained for longitudinal movement beneath a free rollinggrooved pulley 42 by the laterally spaced upwardly projecting ears 44which mount the pulley 42. Immediately forward of the pulley 42, thecable 38 passes through a bifurcated upwardly projecting trip lever 46.An adjustable stop 48 is fixed to the cable 38 at the point therealongcorresponding with the point at which forward movement of the machine isto be stopped. As the machine approaches the stop 48, the stop 48engages the tongue mounted trip lever 46. The movement of the trip lever46 in turn closes a valve 50 mounted within the forward portion of thetongue 36 and interposed within a hydraulic line 58 communicating thepower source with the hydraulic motor associated with the winch 40.

The tongue 36 includes a rear section 60, comprising an upwardlydirected channel member, and a front section 62 pivoted for verticalswinging between a pair of ears 64 on the forward end of the section 60,the front section 62 consisting of a downwardly directed channel member.The rear section 60 is pivotally secured, as by pivot pin 66, to a flatplate 68 secured to the front axle 70. Forward of the pivot pin 66, aremovable pin 72 is inserted downwardly through an elongated slot 74 inthe section 60 and into or through an underlying plate or plate-likemember 76 welded to the tie rod 28. In this manner, a lateral movementof the tongue 36 is translated into a steering movement of the tie rod28.

In its operable position, the forward section 62 of the tongue projectsforwardly and downwardly relative to the chassis and engages the groundthrough an appropriate skid 78 having a forwardly and upwardly inclinedground-engaging face. For road travel and the like, the forward section62 is swung vertically, the point of pivotal engagement with the rearsection 60 being just forward of the front bumper or cross member 80 ofthe chassis 22. In this position, a pair of holes 82 and 84 in the crossmember 80 and front section 62 aline for the introduction of a securingbolt 86 therethrough as indicated in phantom lines in FIG. 5.

Mounted on the rear of the chassis 22 is an enlarged transverselyorientated hose reel 88 which is power driven by an appropriatehydraulic motor 90 and is utilized for a storage of the water supplyinghose 92 during road travel and other periods wherein the machine is notbeing used. Positioned rearward of the reel 88 are a pair of laterallyspaced vertical rollers 96 which, in conjunction with a horizontalroller 98 act so as to facilitate a rolling and unrolling of the hose onreel 88, supporting the hose and avoiding any possibility of the hosebecoming tangled with the chassis. In addition, an enlarged idler orpulley-type member 100 can be provided laterally outward of each rearcomer of the chassis 22 for facilitating a laying of the hose alongsideof the chassis in preparation for an irrigation run.

Mounted centrally over the chassis 22 is the leveling platform 102. Thisplatform 102 supports the power plant 104, the water pump l06,an aircompressor 107, the oil or hydraulic fluid pump 108 and the rotatingnozzle or sprinkler 110. While the platform 102 can be of anyappropriate construction, it basically includes a pair of laterallyspaced parallel side rails 1 12 extending longitudinally of the chassis22. Each of the rails, noting FIGS. 3 and 4 in particular, includes aninwardly directed bearing 114 which rotatably receives an outwardlydirected stub shaft 116 fixed to a vertical block 118 welded to the sideof a vertical post 120. The post 120 in turn has the lower end thereofwelded to the top of a longitudinally extending beam 122 below andcentrally between the side rails 112. The platform 102 is thus pivotallymounted for rocking adjustment about a horizontal axis transverse of thechassis 22, this axis generally underlying the center of gravity of theloaded platform. The beam 122 in turn includes depending lugs 124 whichlie adjacent transverse chassis beams 126 and are pivotally securedthereto by appropriate shafts 128 engaged through the lugs 124 andbearing units 130 within the chassis beams for enabling a rocking of thebeam 122, and hence the supported platform 102, about a secondhorizontal axis perpendicular to the first axis and longitudinallyorientated relative to the chassis 22.

Leveling adjustment of the platform 102 about the first axis transverseof the chassis 22 is effected by a double acting hydraulic piston andcylinder unit 132 engaged vertically between the forward end of the beam122 and a forwardly projecting framework 134 rigid with and extendingfrom a vertical framework 136 affixed to the platform 122. Activation ofthe unit 132 is in response to variations in the ground level, as shallbe explained presently, with the double acting nature of the unitproviding a positive locking of the platform in its adjusted positionwithout any tendency for slippage or the like should it be necessary tomaintain a fixed position for any length of time.

Adjustment about the second horizontal axis, paralleling the chassis 22,is effected by a pair of synchronized double acting hydraulic piston andcylinder units 138, one engaged with each side of the leveling platform102, normally to the vertical blocks 1 18 by means of projecting ears140, and an underlying transverse chassis beam 126 whereby a selectiveextension and retraction of the corresponding piston rods will effect alateral rocking of the platform 102, as well as the beam 122 whichcarries the first-mentioned hydraulic unit 132. As indicated, thehydraulic units 138 are also double acting so as to preclude anyslippage or the like.

The rotating sprinkler head 110, which can be of any conventionalconstruction, is located vertically above the water pump 106 with apressure regulator 142 interposed in the line so as to provide aconstant pressure at the sprinkler head 1 10 without requiring anychange in the pump speed, the pump .106 itself amplifying the pressureof the water delivered through the hose 92. The sprinkler head issupported by the vertical framework 136 and is surrounded by an oilcooling tank 144 whereby the flow of water can be utilized to cool theoil used in the hydraulic system. An appropriate battery case 146 can bemounted on the framework 136 in overlying relation to the power plant.The water is introduced to the water pump 106 from the hose 92 by meansof a rigid pipe section 148 to which the end of the hose 92 isreleasably clamped. The pipe section 148 is fixed to the adjustableplatform 102, lying between the two blocks 118, with the adjustablemovement of the platform 102 being accommodated by the flexible hose 92rearward of the point of engagement with the rigid pipe section 148. Ifdeemed necessary, the rear of the chassis can incorporate means for areleasable clamping of the hose 92 thereto.

The control of the flow of fluid to the leveling hydraulic units 132 and138 is effected by means of a pendulum control unit 150 of knownconstruction. The unit basically consists of a vertically elongatedpendulum 152 having a universal ball and socket pivotal support 154 atthe upper end thereof. The weighted lower end of the pendulum isreceived within a dashpot unit 156 with the pendulum 152 passing througha pair of valve actuators 158. The movement of the pendulum 152 istransferred through the actuators 158 to the valve containing controlbox 160 which in turn controls the flow of fluid to the double actinghydraulic units to effect the leveling action.

An elongated fuel tank 162 for the power plant 104 is affixed along oneside of the chassis. Along the second side of the chassis is acompressed air tank 164 which is utilized to purge the irrigation watersupplying hose 92 prior to a storing of the hose on the reel 88. The airtank is continuously recharged by the air compressor 107.

As previously indicated, the machine is selfpropelled, and includes anappropriate hydraulic transmission 166 supplied from the hydraulic pump108. The transmission acts in conjunction with and relieves part of thestrain on the cable winch 40 so as to insure a constant rate of travelof the apparatus. An appropriate control valve 168 is provided wherebythe transmission motor will normally operate in synchronization with thewinch motor with the flow of fluid to both motors controlled by theshutoff valve 50 at the forward end of the tongue 36 whereby a winchingof the cable and forward movement of the chassis will be simultaneouslyterminated. Alternatively, through an adjustment of the valve 168, theflow of fluid through the transmission motor can be continued for atraveling of the chassis independently of the cable or operation of thecable winch. It will of course be appreciated that in the entirehydraulic and water flow system, appropriate safety switches andcontrols will be provided as required.

ln use, the cable will be extended from the winch and anchored at aremote point, for example 1320 feet away. The hose, approximately 660feet long, is then extended from the reel and folded once on itselfwhereby the chassis starts at the beginning of the run and forapproximately 330 feet travels along either side of the hose. Once thehose is fully extended, it is dragged behind the chassis for theremainder of the run. It will of course be appreciated that theapparatus follows the cable without regard to how the hose is laid out.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that a highly uniquetraveling sprinkler has been defined. The sprinkler or sprinklingapparatus is particularly adapted for hillside irrigation in that itincorporates an automatic self-leveling platform which supports thepower plant, pumps and sprinkler head so as to maintain a constanthorizontal orientation of all of these components whereby efficiency inoperation and a constant spray pattern is insured. The apparatus followsa prelaid cable regardless of the orientation of the hose supplying theirrigation water and the travel of the apparatus is automaticallyterminated at any predetermined point through an adjustable stop lock onthe cable which engages a forwardly located hydraulic line control valveon the leading tongue. Variations in the ground level are sensed by apendulum unit which, through an associated hydraulic control, controlsthe flow of fluid to two sets of double-acting hydraulic units whichlevel the platform about two perpendicular horizontal axes and whichmaintain the leveled orientation until further variations in the groundlevel occur. The forward movement of the apparatus is effected by both acable reeling winch and a hydraulically actuated transmission whichprecludes the introduction of any excess strain in the cable or winchmotor associated therewith. The chassis itself includes a storage reelfor the water supplying hose in conjunction with hose guides forfacilitating a reeling in and reeling out of the hose.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles ofthe invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes willreadily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitthe invention to the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalentsmay be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention asclaimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

l. A self-propelled traveling sprinkler comprising a mobilewheel-mounted chassis, a leveling platform, means mounting said platformon said chassis for a leveling adjustment thereof relative to saidchassis about a plurality of angularly related axes, leveling means forautomatically adjusting said platform about said axes to maintain asubstantially horizontal orientation thereof, said leveling means beingoperable in response to variations in ground contours, said platformmounting water discharging nozzle means, means for supplying water underpressure to said nozzle means, a guide cable extendible forward of saidchassis and defining a path of travel of the chassis, said cable beingselectively anchored remote from the chassis, a winch on said chassisengaged with the cable for a powered winding thereof and a correspondingmovement of the chassis therealong, means for powering said winch, achassis mounted powered transmission for self-propelling saidwheel-mounted chassis independently of and in conjunction with a reelingof the cable on said winch, and cut-off means on said cable forautomatically stopping said winch upon a winding of a predeterminedlength of cable thereon, said cut-off means terminating power to thetransmission simultaneously with a stopping of said winch, the meansmounting said platform for a leveling adjustment comprising first pivotmeans engaged between the platform and chassis defining a generallyhorizontal axis of rotation transverse of the chassis, and second pivotmeans engaged between the platform and chassis defining a secondhorizontal axis of rotation perpendicular to the first horizontal axisof rotation and generally longitudinal of the chassis, said levelingmeans including a plurality of double-acting hydraulic piston andcylinder units engaged with said platform, and a ground contour sensingdevice operatively controlling fluid flow to and from said hydraulicunits, said device being mounted on said platform.

2. The sprinkler of claim 1, wherein said chassis includes forwardsteering wheels, guide tongue means projecting forwardly from saidchassis and engaged with said cable for a guided movement therealong,and means engaging the tongue means with the steering wheels for adirect steering thereof in response to movement of the tongue meanswhich in turn moves in response to variations in the direction of thecable.

3. The sprinkler of claim 2, including a water line from the waterpumpto the nozzle means, and a reservoir for hydraulic fluid mounted aboutthe water line so as to receive the cooling benefits thereof.

4. A self-propelled traveling sprinkler comprising a mobilewheel-mounted chassis, a leveling platform, means mounting said platformon said chassis for a leveling adjustment thereof relative to saidchassis about a plurality of angularly related axes, leveling means forautomatically adjusting said platform about said axes to maintain asubstantially horizontal orientation thereof, said leveling means beingoperable in response to variations in ground contours, said platformmounting water discharging nozzle means, means for supplying water underpressure to said nozzle means, and a guide extendible forward of saidchassis and defining a path of travel of the chassis, said cable beingselectively anchored remote from the chassis, a winch on said chassisengaged with the cable for a powered winding thereof and a correspondingmovement of the chassis therealong, means for powering said winch, and achassis mounted powered transmission for self-propelling saidwheel-rnounted chassis independently of and in conjunction with areeling of the cable on said winch, said chassis including forwardsteering wheels, guide tongue means projecting forwardly from saidchassis and engaged with said cable for a guided movement therealong,and means engaging the tongue means with the steering wheels for adirect steering thereof in response to movement of the tongue meanswhich in turn moves in response to variations in the direction of thecable.

5. A self-propelled traveling sprinkler comprising a mobilewheel-mounted chassis, a leveling platform, means mounting said platformon said chassis for a leveling adjustment thereof relative to saidchassis about a plurality of angularly related axes, leveling means forautomatically adjusting said platform about said axes to maintain asubstantially horizontal orientation thereof, said leveling means beingoperable in response to variations in ground contours, said platformmounting water discharging nozzle means, and means for supplying waterunder pressure to said nozzle means, the means mounting said platformfor a leveling adjustment comprising first pivot means engaged betweenthe platform and chassis defining a generally horizontal axis ofrotation transverse of the chassis, and second pivot means engagedbetween the platform and chassis defining a second horizontal axis ofrotation perpendicular to the first horizontal axis of rotation andgenerally longitudinal of the chassis, said leveling means including aplurality of double-acting hydraulic piston and cylinder units engagedwith said platform, and a ground contour sensing device operativelycontrolling fluid flow to and from said hydraulic units, said devicebeing mounted on said platform.

1. A self-propelled traveling sprinkler comprising a mobilewheel-mounted chassis, a leveling platform, means mounting said platformon said chassis for a leveling adjustment thereof relative to saidchassis about a plurality of angularly related axes, leveling means forautomatically adjusting said platform about said axes to maintain asubstantially horizontal orientation thereof, said leveling means beingoperable in response to variations in ground contours, said platformmounting water discharging nozzle means, means for supplying water underpressure to said nozzle means, a guide cable extendible forward of saidchassis and defining a path of travel of the chassis, said cable beingselectively anchored remote from the chassis, a winch on said chassisengaged with the cable for a powered winding thereof and a correspondingmovement of the chassis therealong, means for powering said winch, achassis mounted powered transmission for self-propelling saidwheel-mounted chassis independently of and in conjunction with a reelingof the cable on said winch, and cut-off means on said cable forautomatically stopping said winch upon a winding of a predeterminedlength of cable thereon, said cut-off means terminating power to thetransmission simultaneously with a stopping of said winch, the meansmounting said platform for a leveling adjustment comprising first pivotmeans engaged between the platform and chassis defining a generallyhorizontal axis of rotation transverse of the chassis, and second pivotmeans engaged between the platform and chassis defining a secondHorizontal axis of rotation perpendicular to the first horizontal axisof rotation and generally longitudinal of the chassis, said levelingmeans including a plurality of double-acting hydraulic piston andcylinder units engaged with said platform, and a ground contour sensingdevice operatively controlling fluid flow to and from said hydraulicunits, said device being mounted on said platform.
 2. The sprinkler ofclaim 1, wherein said chassis includes forward steering wheels, guidetongue means projecting forwardly from said chassis and engaged withsaid cable for a guided movement therealong, and means engaging thetongue means with the steering wheels for a direct steering thereof inresponse to movement of the tongue means which in turn moves in responseto variations in the direction of the cable.
 3. The sprinkler of claim2, including a water line from the water pump to the nozzle means, and areservoir for hydraulic fluid mounted about the water line so as toreceive the cooling benefits thereof.
 4. A self-propelled travelingsprinkler comprising a mobile wheel-mounted chassis, a levelingplatform, means mounting said platform on said chassis for a levelingadjustment thereof relative to said chassis about a plurality ofangularly related axes, leveling means for automatically adjusting saidplatform about said axes to maintain a substantially horizontalorientation thereof, said leveling means being operable in response tovariations in ground contours, said platform mounting water dischargingnozzle means, means for supplying water under pressure to said nozzlemeans, and a guide extendible forward of said chassis and defining apath of travel of the chassis, said cable being selectively anchoredremote from the chassis, a winch on said chassis engaged with the cablefor a powered winding thereof and a corresponding movement of thechassis therealong, means for powering said winch, and a chassis mountedpowered transmission for self-propelling said wheel-mounted chassisindependently of and in conjunction with a reeling of the cable on saidwinch, said chassis including forward steering wheels, guide tonguemeans projecting forwardly from said chassis and engaged with said cablefor a guided movement therealong, and means engaging the tongue meanswith the steering wheels for a direct steering thereof in response tomovement of the tongue means which in turn moves in response tovariations in the direction of the cable.
 5. A self-propelled travelingsprinkler comprising a mobile wheel-mounted chassis, a levelingplatform, means mounting said platform on said chassis for a levelingadjustment thereof relative to said chassis about a plurality ofangularly related axes, leveling means for automatically adjusting saidplatform about said axes to maintain a substantially horizontalorientation thereof, said leveling means being operable in response tovariations in ground contours, said platform mounting water dischargingnozzle means, and means for supplying water under pressure to saidnozzle means, the means mounting said platform for a leveling adjustmentcomprising first pivot means engaged between the platform and chassisdefining a generally horizontal axis of rotation transverse of thechassis, and second pivot means engaged between the platform and chassisdefining a second horizontal axis of rotation perpendicular to the firsthorizontal axis of rotation and generally longitudinal of the chassis,said leveling means including a plurality of double-acting hydraulicpiston and cylinder units engaged with said platform, and a groundcontour sensing device operatively controlling fluid flow to and fromsaid hydraulic units, said device being mounted on said platform.